Thread: Disinfect a used razor?

I always wondered if isopropyl alcohol would permanently discolor/tarnish a blade.

OK, I'm going to try this one more time...

Using bleach to disinfect your razor is like using a bullet through your brain to eliminate your cancer.

If the disinfectant destroys your razor, then there is no point in disinfecting it. The concentration of bleach needed to disinfect your razor will VERY QUICKLY cause corrosion on your blade.

I use Oster Spray Disinfectant that I got from a local beauty supply as part of my initial cleaning. I spray all newly purchased razors following Oster's directions. The spray is then washed off with soap and water. This is my standard routine prior to honing or any restoration work.I also wipe down my razors with 90% alcohol prior to shaving.

Originally Posted by Utopian

OK, I'm going to try this one more time...

Using bleach to disinfect your razor is like using a bullet through your brain to eliminate your cancer.

If the disinfectant destroys your razor, then there is no point in disinfecting it. The concentration of bleach needed to disinfect your razor will VERY QUICKLY cause corrosion on your blade.

BUHAHA. lol

Originally Posted by rostfrei

I always wondered if isopropyl alcohol would permanently discolor/tarnish a blade.

No, it won't.

For about the past 8 years, I have been protecting my blades by dipping them in a solution of mineral oil in isopropyl alcohol in about a 1:200 ratio. I dip the razor and immediately remove it. The water is quickly evaporated with the alcohol and a thin layer of oil is left behind. I have never seen any discoloration from doing this and I do not think the oil would prevent discoloration or tarnish if the alcohol had any tendency to do so.

Originally Posted by lesshairy

I also wipe down my razors with 90% alcohol prior to shaving.

You will optimize disinfection if you use 70% alcohol.

Originally Posted by Utopian

No, it won't.

For about the past 8 years, I have been protecting my blades by dipping them in a solution of mineral oil in isopropyl alcohol in about a 1:200 ratio. I dip the razor and immediately remove it. The water is quickly evaporated with the alcohol and a thin layer of oil is left behind. I have never seen any discoloration from doing this and I do not think the oil would prevent discoloration or tarnish if the alcohol had any tendency to do so.

Thanks. Yeah I dipped an old joseph allen & sons and was worried it might leave a permanent rainbow on it as it looks like a chrome finish

Originally Posted by rostfrei

Thanks. Yeah I dipped an old joseph allen & sons and was worried it might leave a permanent rainbow on it as it looks like a chrome finish

You were worried, but did it cause any discoloration?

Originally Posted by Utopian

You were worried, but did it cause any discoloration?

No. I don't think it did. Here's a pic of it in my album. You can see how shiny it is: http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...img0368-1.html

This is not an odd question. Who knows where a used razor has been? I recommend soaking it in hot mild soapy water for a while and then properly rinse & dry it. There is too much illness out there these days to gamble with the cleanliness of used hygenic tools.